The Crown Jewels

The 25 Best Trail Runs in America

Published

May 9, 2011

Potawatomi TrailPinckney, MichiganThis 17.5-mile mostly single-track loop in the Pinckney State Recreation Area, 20 minutes northwest of Ann Arbor, twists and turns around kettle lakes and bogs and undulates between lush forested lowlands and along the high crests of glacial-formed ridges. Known locally as the "Poto," the hard-packed dirt trail has plenty of technical terrain features, including several creek crossings, steep climbs and descents, and many sections with gnarly roots. Not surprisingly, the Potawatomi plays host to some of the best trail races in the Midwest, ranging from 5 miles to a full marathon.

One for the Trophy CaseAcross the Grand Canyon, by Foot"You cannot see the Grand Canyon in one view, as if it were a changeless spectacle from which a curtain might be lifted, but to see it, you have to toil from month to month through its labyrinths." So said John Wesley Powell after a maiden three-month rafting expedition through the Grand Canyon in 1869. More than 140 years later, Powell's words hold true: It takes considerable time and effort to appreciate the magnitude and beauty of the Grand Canyon. And there's no better way than as a trail runner. Running across the hole in America's backyard might be the single-most satisfying achievement in domestic trail running. While plenty of trails and races are longer and harder than the 21-mile route across the big ditch, there's a certain thrill (and especially, satisfaction) in having crossed this national treasure by foot–whether you run it from rim to rim and catch a ride back to your starting point, or cross it twice via the grueling 42-mile round-trip. Word to the wise: Running across the Grand Canyon is tough. Even if you have a good aerobic base and experience running distances longer than a marathon, it's not the mileage that will hurt; it's the change in elevation. Constant refueling and rehydrating are key, and occasional walking breaks critical. Lastly, save some pack space for a camera. The full appreciation of what you endured takes weeks to sink in, but the magnitude of the experience should last a lifetime. Especially if you have pictures.–Brian Metzler

How to Find New TrailsEven the most spectacular trail can become routine if you run it too often. But how do you find a new route? The best way is by talking to the employees at your local running store. After that, consider the suggestions below.